Traditional Dublin Coddle

Short Description

Dublin Coddle is a hearty, traditional Irish dish made with sausages, potatoes, onions, and bacon, slow-cooked in a flavorful broth. This comforting one-pot meal is perfect for cold nights, St. Patrick’s Day, or a cozy family dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Authentic Irish comfort food with simple ingredients
  • One-pot, slow-cooked for deep flavor
  • Perfect for meal prep—flavors develop over time
  • Budget-friendly and easy to make
  • Pairs beautifully with Irish soda bread and a pint of Guinness

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Coddle:

  • Pork sausages (Irish bangers or bratwurst)
  • Thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • Potatoes, peeled and sliced
  • Onions, sliced
  • Garlic, minced
  • Carrots (optional, for extra sweetness)
  • Chicken or beef broth
  • Guinness beer (optional, for added depth)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper
  • Bay leaves
  • Thyme (fresh or dried)

For Serving (Optional):

  • Irish soda bread
  • Chopped parsley
  • Whole-grain mustard

Directions

Step 1: Brown the Sausages and Bacon

  1. In a large Dutch oven or deep skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside.
  2. In the same pan, brown the sausages until golden (5 minutes per side). Remove and slice into chunks.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Garlic

  1. In the bacon fat, cook onions and garlic until softened (3–4 minutes).

Step 3: Layer the Ingredients

  1. In the pot, layer potatoes, carrots (if using), sausages, bacon, and onions.
  2. Season each layer with salt, pepper, thyme, and bay leaves.

Step 4: Simmer the Coddle

  1. Pour in broth (and Guinness, if using) until ingredients are just covered.
  2. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook on low heat for 1.5–2 hours, until potatoes are tender.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

  1. Remove bay leaves and garnish with fresh parsley.
  2. Serve hot with Irish soda bread or crusty bread.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4–6
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours
  • Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes

Variations

  • Extra Hearty: Add cabbage or turnips.
  • Beer-Free Version: Use all broth instead of Guinness.
  • Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or mustard seeds.
  • Slow Cooker: Cook on low for 6–8 hours.
  • Vegetarian Option: Use vegetable broth and plant-based sausages.

Storage/Reheating

  • Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months (without potatoes for better texture).
  • Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding broth if needed.

FAQs

What is Dublin Coddle?

Dublin Coddle is a traditional Irish stew made with sausages, bacon, potatoes, and onions, slow-cooked in broth for a rich, comforting dish.

Can I use any type of sausage?

Yes, but Irish pork sausages (bangers) work best. If unavailable, use bratwurst or mild pork sausages.

What’s the best potato for coddle?

Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes hold up well in stews.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! It tastes even better the next day as flavors deepen.

Do I need to add beer?

No, but Guinness adds extra richness. Use broth instead if preferred.

Can I cook this in the oven?

Yes! Bake covered at 325°F (160°C) for 2 hours.

What’s the best way to thicken the broth?

Simmer uncovered for the last 20 minutes, or mash some potatoes into the broth.

What side dishes go well with coddle?

Serve with soda bread, mashed potatoes, or a pint of Guinness.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

Yes! Use the sauté function for browning, then pressure cook on high for 30 minutes.

Is this dish spicy?

No, but you can add mustard, pepper, or chili flakes for heat.

Conclusion

Traditional Dublin Coddle is a simple, rustic, and comforting Irish classic that’s perfect for chilly nights, St. Patrick’s Day, or a cozy meal. With tender potatoes, savory sausages, and rich broth, this dish brings a taste of Ireland to your table. Try it today and enjoy a true Irish favorite!

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Traditional Dublin Coddle

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  • Author: clara
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours
  • Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 46 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Irish

Description

Dublin Coddle is a hearty and comforting Irish stew made with sausages, bacon, potatoes, and onions simmered in a rich broth. This dish, popular in Dublin, Ireland, has been enjoyed for centuries as a simple, one-pot meal, perfect for cold evenings and cozy gatherings!


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) pork sausages (Irish bangers or thick pork sausages)
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon (rashers) (chopped into chunks)
  • 4 large potatoes (peeled and sliced into thick rounds)
  • 2 large onions (sliced into rings)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced, optional but flavorful)
  • 2 cups chicken or beef broth (or use half broth, half Guinness for extra richness)
  • 1/2 cup beer or hard cider (optional, for depth of flavor)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Brown the Sausages & Bacon

  1. Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  2. Add the sausages and cook for 4-5 minutes until browned on all sides. (No need to cook through; they will finish in the broth.) Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same pot, cook the bacon until slightly crispy. Remove and set aside.

2. Layer the Coddle Ingredients

  1. In the same pot, layer half the potatoes, followed by half the onions and garlic.
  2. Add half the bacon and sausages. Sprinkle with thyme, salt, and pepper.
  3. Repeat the layering with the remaining ingredients.

3. Simmer the Coddle

  1. Pour in the broth and beer/cider (if using), ensuring the liquid covers the ingredients.
  2. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer. Cover and cook for 1 ½ to 2 hours, until potatoes are tender and flavors meld together.

4. Serve & Enjoy!

  1. Ladle into bowls, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve with Irish soda bread or crusty bread for soaking up the broth.
  2. Enjoy warm with a pint of Guinness for the full Irish experience! 🍻

Notes

  • Prefer a thicker broth? Mash some of the potatoes before serving.
  • Traditional Irish sausages work best, but you can substitute with Bratwurst or another mild pork sausage.
  • Make it ahead! Dublin Coddle tastes even better the next day as flavors develop.

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